Sujay Shanbhag

🪔 About

Sujay Shanbhag is an accomplished Indian classical dancer, primarily recognized for his expertise in Bharatanatyam, and also proficient in Kuchipudi. His journey in classical dance began at the tender age of six, when he commenced his Bharatanatyam training under the tutelage of Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy. He further expanded his artistic horizons by learning Kuchipudi under the guidance of renowned danseuse Dr. Veena Murthy Vijay in Bengaluru. Shanbhag's comprehensive artistic development also includes training in Carnatic vocal music, Mridangam, and Kalaripayattu, which have collectively honed his performance abilities. He achieved his Bharatanatyam Rangapravesham in Mysore and also garnered critical acclaim for his Rangapravesham in Yakshagana, a traditional folk art form from coastal Karnataka. His talent was evident from a young age, as he began winning state-level prizes in Bharatanatyam from the age of ten. Throughout his career, Sujay Shanbhag has graced numerous prestigious dance festivals across India, including the Dasara Mahotsav in Mysuru, Kinkini Utsav in Mumbai, Hampi Utsav in Hospet, and the Khajuraho Mahotsav. He has been honored with a multitude of awards, notably the Bal Shree award from National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, the Gopikrishna Award by Nrityati Kalakshetram, Natya Mayuram by Bhilai Steel Plant, Nritya Bharata by Natyatarangam, Nritya Kaumudi by Rasaranjani, and the Manyatha Puraskar from the Konkani Sahithya Academy, Government of Karnataka. He is also a recipient of scholarships from the CCRT (Central Cultural Ministry, New Delhi) and the Sangeeta Nataka Academy, Bengaluru. Shanbhag is the Managing Trustee and founder of Kala Sujaya, a dedicated center for promoting Bharatiya Classical Art and nurturing young talent. He also serves as a faculty member in the Dance Department at Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal University for Music and Performing Arts. Sujay Shanbhag is recognized for his advocacy in breaking stereotypes faced by male classical dancers in Indian society, a topic he addressed in a TEDx talk. Awards & Honours: Gopikrishna Award, Natya Mayuram, Nritya Bharata, Nritya Kaumudi, Natya Harsha, Sri Gangubai Hangal Yuva Purskar, Chinmaya Nakshatra, Manyatha Puraskar, Bal Shree award, Yadadri Yuva Puraskar, Scholarship, Scholarship.